

163: Benn Wheeler - Wheel Rock, board climbs and rolls and rolls of euros
Aug 27, 2025
Benn Wheeler, a charismatic climber and YouTube creator behind Wheel Rock, shares his journey alongside his more accomplished brother, Noah. They discuss the unique climbing culture of Budapest, the challenges of modern facilities, and personal growth in their climbing experiences. The conversation lightens with humorous thoughts on aging and the quirks of climbing personalities. Finally, they delve into climbing techniques and the emotional ties climbers have with routes, enriching their playful banter with insightful anecdotes.
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Magic Wood: More Than The Climbing
- Benn describes Magic Wood as culturally rich, full of climbers from many countries and tightly packed boulders.
- He loved chatting with climbers there and found the area denser and more magical than videos suggested.
Budapest, Math And No Tension Boards
- Benn studied abroad in Budapest for math and noticed gyms there lack tension or kilter boards.
- He often evangelises board tools to European climbers who are less familiar with them.
Consider Conditions When Judging Difficulty
- When grading or judging climbs, remember conditions and context matter: dry days, temperature, and humidity change difficulty.
- Treat grades as guides, and be pragmatic about how environment alters a route's feel.